$200,000 worth of illegal cockroaches seized in New South Wales

(CBS, KYMA) - Australian authorities carried out the largest-ever seizure of illegal exotic invertebrates in the country, confiscating more than 100,000 cockroaches from a commercial breeder in Bathurst, New South Wales.

The Department of Climate Change, Energy, Environment and Water (DCCEEW) estimated that the value of the insects, which included dubia cockroaches, a prized food source for pet reptiles and amphibians, as well as Madagascar hissing cockroaches, was up to $200,000.

"These species cannot be legally imported into Australia. This also means they cannot be legally kept, bred, or sold no matter how they were obtained. Exotic cockroaches have not been subject to an environmental risk assessment, and their presence in Australia may spread disease and harm native wildlife and agriculture," the DCCEEW said, adding that the bugs were being euthanized.

The department issued a warning to roach owners, breeders, and traders, saying in part, "They will be seized and you could face penalties under federal law."

Officials urged reptile owners who use dubia roaches as feeders "to seek legal alternatives such as crickets and wood roaches."